Modify a heavy vehicle

Find out how to modify a heavy vehicle in Western Australia. Using an Authorised Modifier can reduce paperwork and simplify the modification approval process so that your heavy vehicle can be modified and certified more efficiently.

Modify a heavy vehicle

If you want to undertake a modification to a heavy vehicle you have two options (see below).

Option 1: Modifications carried out by 'Authorised Modifiers'

The Authorised Modification Scheme for Heavy Vehicles reduces paperwork and simplifies the modification approval process so that heavy vehicles can be modified and certified more efficiently.

This scheme allows most modifications to heavy vehicles to be certified by qualified people in the industry without the need for a modification permit to be issued by the Department.

It is based on the national code of practice for modifying heavy vehicles.

Note:

Vehicles modified under the Heavy Vehicle Modification Scheme must be plated by an Authorised Modifier.

States and Territories have developed procedures to control modifications through a single, national code of practice that serves the requirements of both Federal and State/Territory authorities.

The Authorised Modifier is responsible for ensuring your truck is modified in accordance with provisions and standards.

These are specified in the publication, Vehicle Standards Bulletin No 6: National Code of Practice: Heavy Vehicle Modifications (VSB6), available on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website.

You may also like to read our information bulletin below which provides advice on the benefits and limitations of choosing this option.

Option 2: Apply for a modification permit

Vehicle owners not wishing to use an Authorised Modifier can still go through the process of seeking approval from the Department before commencing a modification, however a more stringent approval process is applied.

Industry organisations

This National Code of Practice is also intended to provide organisations that modify heavy vehicles with a set of frequently used procedures that, if followed, result in such modified vehicles being deemed to comply with the corresponding ADRs and other technical requirements. This does not, however, relieve an organisation from the responsibility of employing good technical and work practices.

Vehicle Standards Bulletin No 6: National Code of Practice: Heavy Vehicle Modifications (VSB6) available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.